Big Bear Fire Restrictions

Big Bear and Big Bear Lake visitors are reminded to exercise caution when visiting the National Forest and maintain a higher level of awareness with the increased fire risk. Travelers through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.
“With the dry weather, we ask the public's help to prevent destructive wildfires” said Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron. “We want visitors to enjoy their public lands, but use common sense in the process.”
Fire restrictions and guidelines effective Thursday June 19, 2014 on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows:
• Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency provided fire rings or camp stoves.

• Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post campsites.

• Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns used outside of all developed recreation sites.

• Recreational shooting is limited to Public Shooting Ranges operated under special use permit only, except those engaged in legal hunting.

• An approved spark arrester is required for any internal combustion engine operated on designated forest routes. These include chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles.

• Smoking is limited to an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a Developed Recreation Site.

• Fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest.
The US Forest Service will be aggressively citing those who do not comply with the posted restrictions. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both, as Class B misdemeanors under federal law. Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.

Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions at the following offices: